Seal apparatus and method of using same

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are directed to a seal apparatus for sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at the opening. The seal apparatus includes a first section disposed at a proximal end, a second section disposed at a distal end, and an intermediate section disposed between the first and second sections. The first section defines a cone-like configuration. An opening extends through the first section, the second section, and the intermediate section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 16/382,572, which was filed on Apr. 12, 2019(issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,289,888 on Mar. 29, 2022), which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/657,768, which wasfiled on Apr. 14, 2018. The entire content of the foregoing patentapplications is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various medical and scientific processes require the transfer ofmedicine, gases or chemicals into and/or out of a vessel while creatinga sterile, liquid and air tight seal through a removable or permanententry device. Traditional seal assemblies include nuts, washers, and/orquick connect features that can result in leaks between one or morecomponents, and can increase the cost of assembly due to the number ofcomponents needed.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplaryseal apparatus for sealing an opening of a structure having a thicknessat the opening is provided. The seal apparatus includes a first section,a second section, and an intermediate section. The first section isdisposed at a proximal end of the seal apparatus. In one embodiment, thefirst section defines a cone-like configuration. The second section isdisposed at a distal end of the seal apparatus. The intermediate sectionis disposed between the first and second sections. An opening extendsthrough the first section, the second section, and the intermediatesection.

The opening extending through the first section, the second section, andthe intermediate section can be configured to receive therethrough aflexible conduit. In some embodiments, a plurality of relief areas canbe formed in the first section. The relief areas can extend a partialdistance into a thickness of the first section and enable the firstsection to compress or collapse under pressure during passage of thefirst portion through the opening of the structure. A diameter of thefirst section can be dimensioned greater than a diameter of the openingof the structure. The first section is configured to be temporarilycompressed and/or collapsed during passage through the opening of thestructure, and configured to expand to an original expandedconfiguration after passage through the opening of the structure. Aninner wall of the first section forms a seal between the first sectionand the structure after expansion of the first section to the originalexpanded configuration.

In some embodiments, a diameter of the intermediate section can bedimensioned greater than a diameter of the opening of the structure.During assembly of the seal apparatus with the structure, theintermediate section can be compressed within the opening of thestructure to create a seal between the intermediate section and theopening of the structure. In some embodiments, a length of theintermediate section can be dimensioned smaller than the thickness ofthe structure at the opening. In such embodiments, during assembly ofthe seal apparatus with the structure, inner walls of the first andsecond sections are configured to be compressed against opposingsurfaces of the structure due to the dimensional difference between thelength of the intermediate section and the thickness of the structure atthe opening.

In some embodiments, the seal apparatus is configured to form a firstseal between an inner wall of the first section and one wall of thestructure, form a second seal between an inner wall of the secondsection and an opposing wall of the structure, and form a third sealbetween the intermediate section and an inner surface of the opening ofthe structure. In some embodiments, a relief groove can be formed in aninner wall of the second section.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplarysystem for sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at theopening is provided. The system includes a first seal apparatus and aconduit. The first seal apparatus includes a first section disposed at aproximal end, a second section disposed at a distal end, and anintermediate section disposed between the first and second sections. Thefirst section can define a cone-like configuration. An opening extendsthrough the first section, the second section, and the intermediatesection. The conduit is disposed within and extends through the openingof the first seal apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first seal apparatus is bonded to or capable ofbeing bonded to the conduit. In some embodiments, a position of thefirst seal apparatus along the conduit is maintained via a friction fit.A connection between the first seal apparatus and the conduit forms afluid-tight seal. In some embodiments, a second seal apparatus can beconnected to the conduit and faces an opposing direction from the firstseal apparatus.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplarymethod of sealing an opening of a structure having a thickness at theopening is provided. The method includes positioning a first section ofa seal apparatus adjacent to the opening of the structure. The sealapparatus includes the first section disposed at a proximal end anddefining a cone-like configuration, a second section disposed at adistal end, and an intermediate section disposed between the first andsecond sections. An opening extends through the first section, thesecond section, and the intermediate section. The method includescompressing the first section during passage of the first sectionthrough the opening of the structure. The method includes expanding thefirst section into an expanded configuration after passage of the firstsection through the opening of the structure. After passage of the firstsection through the opening of the structure, a first seal is formedbetween an inner wall of the first section and one wall of thestructure, a second seal is formed between an inner wall of the secondsection and an opposing wall of the structure, and a third seal isformed between the intermediate section and an inner surface of theopening of the structure.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an overmolded sealapparatus that seals the interface between flexible conduits andopenings, and methods of using the seal apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, help to explain theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a seal apparatus in anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, front view of a seal apparatus of FIG. 1including a cap prior to assembly;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a seal apparatus andcap of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic, detailed cross-sectional view of a sealapparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a seal apparatus assembledwith an intermediate wall apparatus used in a clean room environment inan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic, front view of a seal apparatus assembled withan intermediate wall apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a seal apparatusassembled with an intermediate wall apparatus of FIG. 5 and installed ina clean room environment;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic, front perspective view of a seal apparatusused in conjunction with a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, rear perspective view of a seal apparatus andremovable cap of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic, rear view of a seal apparatus and removablecap of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a seal apparatus andremovable cap of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 12A-12E depict views of the insertion and placement of a sealapparatus in conjunction with flexible fluid conduits in an exemplaryembodiment;

FIGS. 13A-13B depict views of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunctionwith a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 depicts a view of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunctionwith an intermediate wall apparatus for a clean room environment in anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 depicts a view of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunctionwith a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 depicts a view of the use of a seal apparatus in conjunctionwith a lid of a container in an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of steps performed in anexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments provide a seal apparatus specifically designed for use withflexible conduits such as, but not limited to, silicone tubing. The sealapparatus can be used with a variety of entry devices including, but notlimited to, a sanitary fitting, bottle caps, tanks, stoppers,pass-through clean room walls, or the like. In one embodiment the sealapparatus may be over molded onto the flexible conduit. The sealapparatus includes a top portion with a collapsible cone-like portionthat forces the bottom section towards itself and creates a seal belowthe opening. This in part is accomplished by creating a space betweenthe bottom section and the base of the cone section that is smaller thanthe thickness of the item the seal is to pass through. In addition, theintermediate section of the seal apparatus (e.g., the section betweenthe top and bottom sections) intentionally has a diameter larger thanthe diameter of the opening which the seal apparatus passes through toalso create a seal along the entire circumference of the interiorsurfaces of the opening. The seal apparatus may be made from a (LSR)Liquid Silicone Rubber such as BlueStar's LSR-60 Resin or similarmaterial. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the seal apparatus maybe provided as a single piece and then bonded to the flexible conduitsuch as by using a medical grade RTV silicon adhesive such as BlueStar'sMED ADH 4100 RTV or similar types of adhesive to bond the single pieceto silicone tubing.

FIGS. 1-4 are diagrammatic, perspective, front and cross-sectional viewsof a seal apparatus 100 in an exemplary embodiment. As an example, inFIGS. 2-3, the seal apparatus 100 is illustrated in combination with acap 150 (e.g., cover, lid, or the like) prior to assembly. In oneembodiment, the seal apparatus 100 can be over molded onto a flexibleconduit 102, such as silicone tubing. In such an embodiment, the conduit102 can be inserted into a central inner opening 104 of the sealapparatus 100, the position of the seal apparatus 100 can be selectedalong the length of the conduit 102, and adhesive, surface welding,and/or a friction fit can be used to create a seal between the sealapparatus 100 and the conduit 102. Although not applicable in a highpressure environment, in an alternate embodiment in which the sealapparatus 100 would be deployed in a lower or intermediate pressureenvironment, a friction fit could be used to maintain the position ofthe seal apparatus 100 at the desired location of the conduit 102. Theconduit 102 can be used to transport or allow passage of fluid, gas,combinations thereof, or the like. The inner opening 104 extends along acentral longitudinal axis 124 of the entire length of the seal apparatus100 to accommodate the conduit 102. In one embodiment, the diameter ofthe opening 104 can be formed to be smaller than the outer diameter ofthe conduit 102 to create a friction fit and seal between the sealapparatus 100 and the conduit 102. In one embodiment, the seal apparatus100 can be formed as a single unit with the conduit 102.

The seal apparatus 100 includes a proximal end 106 (e.g., a feed side, atop portion, or the like) and an opposing distal end 108 (e.g., an exitside, a bottom portion, or the like). The seal apparatus 100 includes afirst section 110 defining a substantially triangular or cone-shapedconfiguration and extending from the proximal end 106 towards the distalend 108. The seal apparatus 100 includes a second section 112 extendingfrom the distal end 108 towards the proximal end 106. The seal apparatus100 includes an intermediate section 114 disposed between the first andsecond sections 110, 112 and defining a diameter dimensioned smallerthan the diameter of the first and second sections 110, 112.

The first section 110 includes radially spaced grooves, cutouts orrelief areas 116 extending a partial distance into the thickness of thefirst section 110. In one embodiment, the relief areas 116 extend froman external or outer surface down a partial distance into the firstsection 110. In one embodiment, the first section 110 includes reliefareas 116 formed as cavities within the first section 110 withoutextending to the outer surface. In one embodiment, the relief areas 116define a substantially triangular configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 1)having a point at or near the proximal end 106 and tapering outwardlytowards an inner wall 118 of the first section 110. The inner wall 118can extend substantially perpendicularly to the central longitudinalaxis 124 of the seal apparatus 100. The relief areas 116 provideflexibility to the first section 110 such that during insertion of thefirst section 110 through an opening in a structure during assembly(e.g., into an opening 152 of the cap 150), the first section 110 canflex and/or collapse (e.g., in the direction of the distal end 108and/or downward toward the opening 104) to allow the first section 110to be pulled through the opening of the structure. The webbing leftbehind in the first section 110 between the relief areas 116 providesadded strength to the structure of the seal apparatus 100, and forms aseal surface or area at the inner wall 118 of the first section 110.

The cone shape at the top of the seal apparatus 100 may include fourrelief areas 116 radially spaced from each other, but the size, shapeand number of relief areas 116 cored into the seal apparatus 100 can bemodified to fit into various styles of covers and/or vessels. In someembodiments, on a larger size conduit 102, the relief areas 116 may notbe needed because the hollow area or inner passage 134 of the conduit102 provides the area needed for the cone shape to collapse. Forexample, for conduit 102 having an inner passage 134 with a diameterdimensioned equal to or greater than about 0.625 inches, the reliefareas 116 may be excluded from the seal apparatus 100. In someembodiments, the relief areas 116 can be included in the seal apparatus100 for any size of the conduit 102 to assist in further flexing andcollapsing of the seal apparatus 100 during installation.

In some embodiments, the inclusion of or the number of relief areas 116can depend on the overall outer diameter of the seal apparatus 100. Forexample, if the seal apparatus 100 has an overall outer diameter equalto or below about 0.750 inches, the relief areas 116 can be included inthe first section 110 to provide sufficient flexibility to the firstsection 110. As a further example, if the seal apparatus 100 has anoverall outer diameter greater than about 0.751 inches, the firstsection 110 can be formed without relief areas 116 or with a smallernumber of relief areas 116 due to the flexibility provided by thematerial itself.

With specific reference to FIG. 4, the intermediate section 114 includesa proximal portion 120 and a distal portion 122 forming a step. Theproximal and distal portions 120, 122 can extend substantially parallelto the central longitudinal axis 124. The proximal portion 120 can bedisposed adjacent to the inner wall 118 of the first section 110, anddefines a diameter dimensioned smaller than a diameter of the distalportion 122. The smaller diameter of the proximal portion 120 creates aradial groove or space immediately behind the proximal portion 120.

During assembly of the seal apparatus 100 with the cap 150, the radialgroove or space formed by the proximal portion 120 provides room intowhich the first section 110 can extend during flexing and/or collapsing.The distal portion 122 includes a diameter dimensioned slightly greaterthan the diameter of the opening 152 of the cap 150 (or any structure tobe assembled with the seal apparatus 100). The dimensional differenceensures that a friction seal is created between the intermediate section114 and the inner surface of the opening 152 after assembly andengagement of the seal apparatus 100 with the cap 150. In someembodiments, the diameter of the intermediate section 114 can be, e.g.,about 5% greater, about 6% greater, about 7% greater, about 5-6%greater, about 6-7% greater, about 5-7% greater, or the like, than thediameter of the opening 152 to create the sealing effect noted above.

Still with reference to FIG. 4, the second section 112 includes an innerwall 126 extending substantially perpendicularly to the centrallongitudinal axis 124. The inner wall 126 can face and oppose the innerwall 118 of the first section 110. The inner walls 118, 126 can extendsubstantially parallel to each other. The distance or length 136 of theintermediate section 114 as measured between the inner walls 118, 126can be dictated by the thickness 158 of the item (e.g., cap 150) aroundwhich the seal is being employed. In some embodiments, the length 136can be dimensioned less than the actual thickness 158 of the item suchthat after assembly of the seal apparatus 100 with the item,compressibility of the first and second sections 110, 112 on opposingsides of the item contributes to the sealing effect. In someembodiments, the length 136 can be, e.g., about 20% smaller, about 25%smaller, about 30% smaller, about 20-25% smaller, about 25-30% smaller,about 20-30% smaller, or the like, than the thickness 158 to create thesealing effect noted above.

The second section 112 includes an outer surface 128 defining an outerdiameter of the second section 112. In some embodiments, the outerdiameter of the second section 112 can be dimensioned greater than theoutermost point 130 of the first section 110. In some embodiments, theouter diameter of the second section 112 can be dimensionedsubstantially equal to the outermost point 130 of the first section 110.In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer diameter of thesecond section 112 can be dimensioned greater than the outermost point130 of the first section 110. The greater outer diameter of the secondsection 112 can result in a higher inner pressure seal during use of theseal apparatus 100. The second section 112 includes a radial groove 132(e.g., a relief area) formed in the inner wall 126 and extending fromthe inner wall 126 towards the distal end 108 of the seal apparatus 100.The radial groove 132 extends only a partial thickness of the secondsection 112. In some embodiments, the radial groove 132 can provide foran increased spring pressure between inner walls 118, 126, resulting ina proper seal on different types of surfaces (e.g., level or parallelsurfaces, slightly non-parallel surfaces, wavy surfaces, or the like).

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer diameters of the first, second andintermediate sections 110, 112, 114 are each dimensioned greater thanthe diameter of the opening 152 of the cap 150. During assembly, theconduit 102 can be extended through the opening 152 such that the firstsection 110 abuts the edges of the opening 152. Applying tension to pullthe seal apparatus 100 through the opening 152 results in flexing and/orcollapsing of one or more areas of the first section 110 such that thefirst section 110 passes through the opening 152. Particularly, eitherthe feed side or the exit side pieces of the conduit 102 tubing arepassed up through the opening on a bottom side 154 (e.g., interior orwall-facing side) of a cap 150 and then pulled through the opening 152in the cap 150. This action causes the cone-shaped top to collapseinwards while traversing the opening 152. The flexing or collapsing isallowed by the relief areas 110 incorporated into the seal apparatus 100design that provide the cone-shaped design space into which to compress.

After the cone-shaped top (e.g., first section 110) clears the exterioror opposing surface 156 of the cap 150, the first section 110 springs orre-expands back to its original shape (e.g., the shape shown in FIG. 1).The expanded configuration of the first section 110 forms a seal betweenthe inner wall 118 and the surface 156 of the cap 150. At the same time,the second section 112 of the seal apparatus 100 is pulled towards thesurface 154 of the cap 150 to create a seal on the opposing side of theopening 152 between the inner wall 126 and the surface 154. Anadditional seal is created on the interior surfaces of the opening 152by the slightly compressed oversized walls of the seal apparatus 100compared to the opening 152 diameter in the cap 150. Particularly, thedistal portion 122 of the intermediate section 114 compresses againstthe inner walls of the opening 152 to form an interior seal within theopening 152. The three seals formed by the seal apparatus 100 ensure anair and fluid-tight seal between the seal apparatus 100 and the cap 150.

FIGS. 5-7 are diagrammatic perspective, front and cross-sectional viewsof a seal apparatus 100 assembled with an intermediate wall apparatus200 (e.g., a pass through device) for use in a clean room environment inan exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that the seal apparatus100 of FIGS. 5-7 is similar in structure and function to the sealapparatus of FIGS. 1-4. Therefore, reference numbers are excluded forclarity of operation. Rather than having a single seal apparatus 100 oneach conduit 102, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, each conduit 102 can includetwo seal apparatuses 100 facing in opposing directions to create a sealon opposing sides of a wall 202.

In a clean room environment, it is essential to limit any outsidecontaminants from being introduced. Accordingly, in one embodiment, theseal apparatus 100 can be used to form a seal on both sides of a wall202 in the clean room when assembled with an intermediate wall apparatus200. The intermediate wall apparatus 200 includes a central housing 204with two mounting flanges 206, 208 extending from the central housing204 on opposing sides and in a spaced relationship. Each flange 206, 208includes holes 210, 212 for securing the flanges 206, 208 to opposingsides of the wall 202 with fasteners 214. The intermediate wallapparatus 200 includes cylindrical extensions 216, 218 extending frontthe flanges 206, 208 along the central longitudinal axis 220.

The interior of the central housing 204 and the extensions 216, 218 areconnected to form an inner passage 222 through which one or moreportions of the seal apparatus 100 can extend. Endpoint caps 224, 226are secured to respective ends of the extensions 216, 218 to seal theinner passage 222. The intermediate wall apparatus 200 includes openings228 in the caps 224, 226 for assembly with the seal apparatus 100.Although two openings 228 are shown (e.g., for an inlet and outletconduit 102), it should be understood that any number of openings 228can be used depending on the number of seal apparatus 100 passingthrough the intermediate wall apparatus 200.

The seal apparatus 100 can be assembled with the intermediate wallapparatus 200 prior to securing one or both endpoint caps 224, 226 tothe extensions 216, 218. Similar to the assembly of the seal apparatus100 with a cap 150 or lid, tubing or conduit 102 to which the sealapparatus 100 has been attached is fed through the opening 228 in therespective cap 224, 226. The top cone-like portion (e.g., the firstsection 110) of the seal apparatus 100 compresses initially and springsback into shape on the outer side of the cap 224, 226 to create a firstseal. Due to the dimensional difference between the length 136 of theintermediate section 114 and the width of the cap 224, 226, and/or thedimensional difference between the diameter of the intermediate section114 and the diameter of the opening 228, additional seals are createdaround the cap 224, 226. The bottom portion (e.g., the second section112) seals the opposing or inner side of the opening 228, and thecompressibility of the seal apparatus 100 seals the sides of the opening228 as well. The intermediate section 114 compresses and creates a sealwithin the opening 228.

After the seal apparatus 100 on one end of the conduit 102 has beenassembled with one cap (e.g., cap 224), the opposing seal apparatus 100on the same conduit 102 can be assembled with the opposing cap (e.g.,cap 226). In some embodiments, the conduit 102 can be flexible enough toallow for assembly of the seal apparatuses 100 on opposing sides of theintermediate wall apparatus 200 without additional slack in the conduit102. In some embodiments, slack in the conduit 102 can be left withinthe passage 222 for easier installation. In such embodiments, it shouldbe understood that the slack does not affect the fluid flow within theconduit 102. As depicted in FIGS. 5-7, the openings into the clean roomcan be sealed using openings in the intermediate wall apparatus 200 thatis inserted or integrated with the wall 202 of the clean room. In someembodiments, openings can be formed directly in the wall 202 forassembly with the seal apparatus 100 without use of the intermediatewall apparatus 200.

FIGS. 8-11 are diagrammatic, perspective, rear and cross-sectional viewsof a seal apparatus 100 used in conjunction with a removable cap 300 inan exemplary embodiment. As noted above, the seal apparatus 100 can beused with removable/caps and lids. The cap 300 includes a body 302defining an exterior surface, and threads 304 on an interior surface formating the cap 300 with threads of a container (not shown). The cap 300includes openings 306 extending therethrough and configured to receivethe seal apparatus 100 during assembly. The number of openings 306 candepend on the application of use.

Assembly of the seal apparatus 100 with the cap 300 can be substantiallysimilar to the assembly discussed above. In one embodiment, the sealprovided by the cone-like portion of the seal apparatus 100 on top ofthe cap 300 can be supplemented with a sealing element 138 (e.g.,silicone, a washer, combinations thereof, or the like) for caps 300having a thinner thickness, thereby increasing the sealing effect.

FIGS. 12A-E depict views of the insertion and placement of a sealapparatus 100 in conjunction with flexible fluid conduits in anexemplary embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a view of the seal apparatus 100affixed to flexible conduits and a lid with openings. FIGS. 12B-C showviews of the seal apparatus 100 prior to being pulled through theopenings in the lid. FIG. 12D shows a view from the top of the lid andthe seal apparatus 100 during the process of the top cone-like portionbeing pulled though the opening. As noted above, the cone-like portionof each seal apparatus 100 is compressed as the seal apparatus 100 isgradually pulled through the respective opening, and snaps outwardlyafter passing through the opening to create a seal on the outer surfaceof the lid. FIG. 12E provides a view of the seal apparatus 100 afterbeing pulled through the opening in the lid and shows the seal formed onthe top of the lid by the cone portion after re-expansion.

FIGS. 13A-B depict views of the use of a seal apparatus 100 inconjunction with a removable cap in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13Ashows a view of the seal formed by the cone-like portion formed on topof the cap, while FIG. 13B shows a view of the seal formed on the bottomof the cap by the bottom portion of the seal apparatus 100.

FIG. 14 depicts the use of a seal apparatus 100 in conjunction with anintermediate wall apparatus for a clean room environment in an exemplaryembodiment. The intermediate wall apparatus can be substantially similarto the intermediate wall apparatus 200 of FIGS. 5-7. A clamp mechanism230 can be used to secure the endpoint cap to the extension afterassembly of the seal apparatus 100 with the intermediate wall apparatus.

FIG. 15 depicts the use of a seal apparatus 100 in conjunction with aremovable cap in an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, six sealapparatuses 100 are used with separate conduits and passed throughindividual holes in the cap during assembly. The compact configurationof the seal apparatus 100 provides the advantage of positioning multipleconduits adjacent to each other in a small surface area of the cap.Traditional sealing apparatuses include multiple components that projectfrom the conduit and generally necessitate more surrounding area forassembly, resulting in a smaller number of seal apparatuses that can beassembled with a small cap. The exemplary seal apparatus 100 provides anefficient and compact assembly with multiple conduits positionedadjacent to each other.

FIG. 16 depicts the use of a seal apparatus 100 in conjunction with alid of a container in an exemplary embodiment. Although two sealapparatuses 100 are shown, it should be understood that any number ofseal apparatuses 100 can be used depending on the intended use of thecontainer.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an exemplary sequence of steps or process 600performed in an exemplary embodiment to seal a structure (e.g., cover,lid, cap, or the like) with a seal apparatus 100. To begin, at step 602,the end of a flexible conduit that includes the seal apparatus isinserted into an opening in the structure. At step 604, the flexibleconduit is pulled through the opening in the structure until the narrowportion of the top cone-like portion of the seal apparatus is adjacentto the opening. At step 606, the flexible conduit is pulled furtherthrough the opening in the structure such that the cone-like portion ofthe seal apparatus compresses upon contact with the opening edge. Atstep 608, the flexible conduit is pulled through the opening until thecone-like portion of the seal apparatus clears the opening andre-expands on the opposing side, forming a seal with the structure.Based on the configuration of the seal apparatus, seals are formed atthe top, bottom and intermediate portions of the seal apparatus.Specifically, a seal is formed around the entire circumference at thewall surrounding the opening on one side with the top portion of theseal apparatus, a seal is simultaneously formed against the opposingwall with the bottom portion of the seal apparatus due to thecompression of the top and bottom portions, and a seal is simultaneouslyformed at the interior surfaces of the opening with the intermediateportion of the seal apparatus. The seal apparatus thereby provides threeseparate points of sealing for the opening, ensuring an air andfluid-tight seal.

In one embodiment, the components of the seal apparatus may be producedas sterile components in a validated injection molding clean roomenvironment, and properly bagged and sealed before exiting the room.Afterwards the seal apparatus can be autoclaved or gamma irradiated toachieve a full sterile status. In one embodiment, the components of theseal apparatus may be produced in a non-sterile environment for use innon-sterile industries, e.g., automotive, aerospace, electrical,plumbing, or the like.

Since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in theabove description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpretedas illustrative and not in a literal sense. Practitioners of the artwill realize that the sequence of steps and architectures depicted inthe figures may be altered without departing from the scope of thepresent invention and that the illustrations contained herein aresingular examples of a multitude of possible depictions of the presentinvention.

While exemplary embodiments have been described herein, it is expresslynoted that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting, butrather that additions and modifications to what is expressly describedherein also are included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, itis to be understood that the features of the various embodimentsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in variouscombinations and permutations, even if such combinations or permutationsare not made express herein, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A seal apparatus for sealing an opening of a structure having athickness at the opening, the seal apparatus comprising: a first sectiondisposed at a proximal end, the first section defining a cone-likeconfiguration; a second section disposed at a distal end; anintermediate section disposed between the first and second sections; andan opening extending through the first section, the second section, andthe intermediate section.